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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage - 2009-03-03HERITAGE KITCHENER MINUTES MARCH 3, 2009 CITY OF KITCHENER The Heritage Kitchener Committee met this date, commencing at 4:01 p.m. Present: Mr. K. Kirby -Chair Councillor J. Gazzola, Ms. E. Gallaher, Ms. L. Brohman and Messrs. T. Benedict, Z. Janecki, I. Mota, L. Robertson, G. Zeilstra and J. Rice staff: S. Allen, Manager, Engineering Design & Approvals L. Bensason, Coordinator, Cultural Heritage Planning M. Wade, Heritage Planner C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator 1. PRESENTATION -HERITAGE BRIDGES IN WATERLOO REGION - REGIONAL HERITAGE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE tHPAC) The Committee was in receipt of the Region of Waterloo's Heritage Planning Advisory Committee (HPAC) presentation entitled "Heritage Bridges in Waterloo Region" dated March 3, 2009 concerning Phase 3 of a research study into the identification of bridges of heritage value in Waterloo Region. Regional Councillor Jean Haalboom and Ms. Pat Wagner, HPAC reviewed that circulated presentation and advised that in 2004, as a result of concerns for the destruction of local bridges, HPAC undertook this research study; which led to the creation of a region-wide bridge inventory. Councillor Haalboom stated that this information will aid planners, engineers, and heritage, environmental and recreational organizations in the conservation, rehabilitation or maintenance of historic bridges. She added that this study provides the necessary background information to assist in defining future actions to preserve bridges and enhance heritage preservation in general. She requested that a copy of the study be circulated to the City's Engineering Division to be used as a reference when undertaking work involving historic bridges. She also suggested that the City could pursue the designation of the Huron Road Bridge, which was identified as one of the top ten heritage bridges in Waterloo Region. Mr. G. Zeilstra advised that as a resident of the Bridgeport area he has been following the reconstruction of the Bridgeport Bridge with great interest. He suggested that Heritage Kitchener could examine the possibility of designating that bridge under the Ontario Heritage Act, similar to the Freeport Bridge. Councillor J. Haalboom advised that this would be a good time to pursue such a designation, as Regional Engineering staff have indicated that the reconstruction of the Bridgeport Bridge is anticipated to be complete by October /November 2009. She commented that in her opinion the owners would not oppose the designation of Bridgeport Bridge, noting that as part of the reconstruction, the globe lights will be restored. Ms. M. Wade stated that the Bridgeport Bridge was listed on the former Heritage Kitchener Inventory and suggested that its potential designation could be examined by the Municipal Heritage Register Listing & Designation Priorities Sub-committee. 2. MUNICIPAL HERITAGE REGISTER -SELECTION OF EVALUATION SUB-COMMITTEE & FIELD TEAMS The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Ms. M. Wade dated February 18, 2009 regarding the 2009 Municipal Heritage Register (MHR) process. Ms. Wade advised that the MHR has been identified as a number one priority by both Heritage Kitchener and Heritage Planning staff. She stated that at the February 3, 2009 meeting, it was outlined that the goal would be to recommend 20-30 properties for listing on the MHR at least 3-4 times a year. She noted that this would result in the potential for 60-120 properties being listed on the MHR annually. In order to move this forward, Heritage Planning staff are requesting that members volunteer to assist with field team evaluations and / or the MHR Sub-committee. Mr. K. Kirby advised that through correspondence received this date, Mr. J. Ariens has indicated that he would be interested in serving on the MHR Sub-committee. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that the following members would comprise the two field teams and the MHR Sub-committee: HERITAGE KITCHENER MARCH 3, 2009 -10 - CITY OF KITCHENER 3. MUNICIPAL HERITAGE REGISTER -SELECTION OF EVALUATION SUB-COMMITTEE & FIELD TEAMS tCONT'D) • Messrs. K. Kirby and Z. Janecki, be appointed to Field Team 1; • Ms. E. Gallaher and Mr. I. Mota, be appointed to Field Team 2; and, • Messrs. J. Ariens and T. Benedict, be appointed to the MHR Sub-committee. 3. HERITAGE KITCHENER WORK PLAN -FORMATION OF SUB-COMMITTEE The Committee was in receipt of a memorandum from Ms. M. Wade dated February 18, 2009 regarding the 2009 Heritage Kitchener Work Plan Sub-committees. Ms. Wade advised that the Heritage Kitchener Work Plan identified a number of priorities for 2009. In order to move those priorities forward, members are requested to volunteer to serve on the Listing & Designation Priorities Sub-committee and the Heritage Awareness Sub-committee. She stated that the first Sub-committee relates to the Municipal Heritage Register process and would identify listing priorities. The second Sub-committee would work on a variety of heritage awareness programs, such as: Heritage Showcase display; heritage section of the City's website; Mike Wagner Heritage Awards; and, the Walking Tours. She requested that at least two members serve on each Sub-committee. Following a brief discussion, it was agreed that the following members would be appointed to serve on the two Sub-committees: • Ms. L. Brohman, be appointed to the Listing & Designation Priorities Sub-committee; and, • Messrs. J. Rice and G. Zeilstra, be appointed to the Heritage Awareness Sub- committee. 4. 2009 HERITAGE SHOWCASE FOLLOW-UP On behalf of the Committee, Mr. K. Kirby thanked Ms. M. Wade and Mr. T. Benedict for their hard work in developing the 2009 Heritage Showcase display. The Committee then undertook a general discussion on the annual Heritage Showcase and the following comments /suggestions were put forward for future Heritage Kitchener displays: the use of more photographs of residential properties to help dispel the publics' fears regarding the designation process; and, the use of better quality photographs for some of the designated buildings. Mr. L. Bensason advised that the Fairway Mall has notified the organizers that they are no longer willing to be used as a site to host this event. He added that, unless an alternative location is found in Kitchener, going forward the Showcase would rotate between the Cambridge Centre and the Conestoga Mall. It was suggested that the Kitchener Market could be used as a possible venue; but, it was noted that given the Market's limited space during the winter months, it may not be able to accommodate the 30 displays that make up the Showcase. Mr. Bensason noted that it might be possible to hold the Showcase in conjunction with another Regional heritage event, such as "Doors Open", which is held annually in September. This could potentially allow for the use of the Kitchener Market as a future site for the Heritage Showcase. 5. LINDEN I MICHAEL I OAK STREETS RECONSTRUCTION The Committee was in receipt this date of a Development and Technical Services Department report, dated March 3, 2009 regarding the proposed road reconstruction of Linden, Michael and Oak Streets, which are located within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District (HCD). Mr. S. Allen reviewed the report and advised that these streets have been scheduled for improvements as part of the City's 2009 Capital Works program. He stated that the proposed work is being done to upgrade the existing, deteriorated underground services and above- ground surface features to prevent future system failure. He added that the intent is to maintain the heritage nature of the streetscapes by generally maintaining the existing cross- section of the right-of-way. He noted that as part of all reconstruction projects, a tree management plan has been developed to identify: those trees worthy of protection; required maintenance and removals; and, develop along-term management /planting plan for the area. HERITAGE KITCHENER MARCH 3.2009 -11 - CITY OF KITCHENER 5. LINDEN I MICHAEL I OAK STREETS RECONSTRUCTION tCONT'D) In response to questions, Mr. S. Allen advised that it is standard practise for the City to offer a pre-condition survey of a home prior to work commencing on these types of projects. He estimated that approximately 30-40 trees would be removed from the area, noting that while that may seem like a significant amount, most are small crab-apple trees. He noted that all sidewalk panels with street names would be preserved and incorporated into the new sidewalk. He pointed out that a public meeting to solicit feedback on the project is scheduled for area residents on March 4, 2009. He commented that the second public meeting scheduled for May 2009 would take place just prior to the start of construction and is intended to be more of an information session. Ms. E. Gallaher expressed concerns regarding the removal of the significant number of flowering trees, and the impact that this might have on the HCD's streetscape. Mr. L. Robertson questioned whether the City has considered the overall long-term vision for the streetscapes within the HCD and if any perspective renderings have been done, rather than plan view visuals. Following a brief discussion, the Committee requested that staff arrange an on-site visit sometime in the near future to discuss the tree management plan. In addition, staff committed to forwarding available information regarding the tree management plan to members via e-mail in advance of the on-site visit. 6. ADJOURNMENT On motion, this meeting adjourned at 5:44 p.m. Colin Goodeve Committee Administrator